Inleiding

In order to repair items such as your window regulators or door lock vacuum actuators, and to properly lubricate your lock mechanisms, you will need to pull your door panel. This is not difficult, but there are some little tricks and "hidden" screws that can make it challenging the first time. Learn to properly remove your panel with this guide. This will allow you to easily move on to the more important projects lying behind the panel.

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On the other three doors, the chrome panel is a part of the upper arm on the door panel. Pull the chrome panel out from behind the door pull. You will need to pull the door pull away from the door to get the chrome panel around it. It will move down the arm on the door panel.

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Under the arms on all four doors, there are two large Phillips screws. They are hidden out of sight up in holes like the one pictured. Making sure to properly seat the screwdriver in the head, as to not strip the screw, loosen these screws.

There is no need to remove the screws from the holes in the arm; in fact, doing so will make it more difficult to re-install them. Just loosen them enough to remove the arms from the panels.

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Using a wide pry tool, like this trim removal tool, go around the edge of the panel between it and the metal part of the door. You will find it held in place by plastic clips. Gently pry each clip out all the way around.

On an older car like the W123, there will likely be some broken clips. Some times, panels are being held in place by only two or three clips.

Be aware that even though there should be no screws holding the panel to the door at this point, you will want to carefully check that someone didn't use a screw in the past to make up for broken clips. If you try and pull it off without removing the screw, you could damage your panel.

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Remove the panel by pulling up on it. Do not pull straight out on the panel, or it may bend. This cannot be repaired. Pulling up on the panel before pulling out on it will also help ensure that you do not damage the plastic clips on the back of the map pocket on the door panel (only applies to front panels; rear panel shown in this picture).

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Pictured is the back of your door panel once removed. Notice the white plastic clips around the edge. Notice that many are missing. There should be several more on this door. Also, notice that some are broken.

Once the panel is removed, there should be a plastic vapor barrier between the panel and the door shell. This will need to be removed. If removed gently, it may be able to be reused. Otherwise, replace it with any thick plastic and 3M Spray Adhesive or contact cement. (Not pictured)

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This is a list of the major components within the door (front passenger side shown):

Window regulator (note, the rear window regulators are designed differently and are not immediately visible)

Door lock vacuum actuator, early style (does not apply to driver's door, which is equipped with the master vacuum switch instead, see attached picture). On later W123's, the actuators are in similar locations but look different.

Door pull

Door latch and lock mechanisms

Master vacuum switch (driver's door). Note that on later models the master switch will be oriented vertically instead of horizontally.